Finance Minister, Stephen Dhieu Dau has confirmed the signing of a grant of USD 43.8 million with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Monday, for a short term emergency response project. In a statement dated August 1 (Tuesday) and signed by the Minister himself, the money is to help in limiting the hunger and malnutrition situation in the country.
Earlier during the signing of the grant agreement in Nairobi, both issues touching on South Sudan and Somalia were tackled with the two countries being accorded individual grant assistance.
According to Minister Dau, the project would strengthen the capacity of relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and Local NGO’s.
Minister Dau extended his gratitude for the generosity and Support of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“We are going to work on the implementation arrangements, and I encourage our local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to participate in the delivery of food from the local markets, so that utilization of this amount would have a positive impact on our economy and local production,” he said.
The grant is geared towards providing emergency food assistance and medical aid to the most vulnerable populations. It will also kick-start community recovery, ultimately contribution to inclusive growth and resilience in South Sudan, according to Dau.

via JM